Registration No: PDA 888F
Chassis No: BA91GT34321
MOT: February 2024
Subject to a comprehensive restoration between 2019 and 2022
Minimal mileage covered since the completion of the restoration and still presents excellently
An early production Series 2 Lotus Cortina
Classically finished in Ermine White with Sherwood Green stripe and Black interior upholstery
Accompanied by a large collection of images documenting the restoration
Introduced in March 1967, the Ford Cortina Lotus MKII (officially named the Ford Cortina Lotus Twin Cam) shared much of the same high performance DNA as its illustrious MKI predecessor. However, by moving production in-house (rather than outsourcing it to Lotus as before), the Blue Oval hoped to not only improve reliability but also to bask in more of the halo effect associated with the model. Available in a range of colours (unlike its predecessor), the newcomer sported a distinctive black front grille, 5.5J x 13 wheels and Lotus badging to each rear wing. Fitted with a more powerful version (109bhp) of the 1558cc Lotus 'Twin-Cam' engine that had hitherto been optional on the Elan and MKI, the MKII also benefited from a revised 3.77:1 final drive ratio and new remote-control gearchange. Still carrying its battery in the boot to aid weight distribution, the two-door sports saloon boasted a wider track and larger fuel tank. Riding on stiffened suspension and utilising disc / drum brakes, it provided Ford with a decent competition platform until the arrival of the 'Twin-Cam' Escorts. Better built and less temperamental than its forebear, the Ford Cortina Lotus MK2 remained in production until 1970 by which time some 4,032 are thought to have left the Dagenham gates.
An early production Series 2 Cortina, chassis number BA91GT34321 was manufactured in 1967 and supplied new to the United Kingdom, being registered on the 12th of September 1967. Little is known of the cars early history, until the Cortina was purchased by the vendor in 2019 from Lotus Cortina specialists Lotus Outlaws, being informed that they had unearthed the fast Ford from a barn following some twenty-years of storage. Having searched for a Lotus Cortina, he purchased this example due to being notably complete and embarked on providing ‘PDA 888F’ with a comprehensive restoration. Completely stripped down, the bodyshell was sandblasted, new metalwork grafted in as required, and the shell prepared and painted in the iconic colour scheme of Ermine White with Sherwood Green stripe.
Meanwhile, the engine was completely overhauled with a skimmed head, new timing chain and uprated fast road cam, with the gearbox, axles, and differential were all fully renovated also. With the reconditioned running gear fitted to the Cortina, a new braking system and suspension were provided, with a complete stainless exhaust system. The original wheels were powder coated and refurbished, with the interior completely renewed in Black vinyl. Sensibly upgraded further with electronic ignition, ‘PDA 888F’ is now offered as a notably nicely presented Lotus Cortina Mk2 and is accompanied by an original handbook, a large collection of restoration photographs, and a current V5C document, as well as the original air box.
Auction: Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire, 26th Apr, 2023